An indispensable "how-to" guide for creating lasting memories and special ceremonies as you welcome your new Jewish daughter.
When a son is born, every Jewish parent knows what ceremony will welcome him into the community and signal his part in the Jewish people-the brit milah. What to do when a girl is born? How can you welcome your new daughter in a truly Jewish way, and celebrate your joy with family and friends? In the past, parents who wanted a simchat bat (celebration of a daughter) ceremony for their new daughter often had to start from scratch. Finally, this first-of-its-kind book gives families everything they need to plan the celebration.
- History & Tradition-The roots of simchat bat in Jewish tradition, how it has evolved and how the past can be used to bring today's dynamic ceremonies to life.
- A How-to Guide-New and traditional ceremonies, complete with prayers, rituals, handouts to copy and step-by-step instructions for creating your own unique ceremony.
- Planning the Details-What to call your daughter's welcoming ceremony, when and where to have it, setting it up, how long it should be, how to handle the unexpected, how to prepare a program guide and more.
- Ideas & Information-Practical guidelines for planning the event, and special suggestions and resources for families of all constellations.
How can you welcome your new daughter in a truly Jewish way, and celebrate your joy with family and friends? This book gives families everything they need to plan a simchat bat (celebration of a daughter) ceremony for their new daughter.
"All the historical, spiritual and practical levels you need?. An excellent resource for those seeking creative yet traditional ways to include girls and women into the rich tapestry of Jewish lifecycle events."
-Rabbi Elyse Goldstein, author of ReVisions: Seeing Torah through a Feminist Lens and editor of The Women's Torah Commentaryand The Women's Haftarah Commentary
"A fine resource for clergy and parents alike. A rich selection of readings and blessings is complemented by an intriguing description of naming ceremonies in the Jewish tradition."
-Cantor Erica Jan Lippitz, Oheb Shalom Congregation, South Orange, New Jersey
"A comprehensive compendium.... With exquisite sensitivity to Jewish ethnic, religious and familial diversity, Nussbaum Cohen offers a great birth present for parents and girls and a must for every rabbi's study, synagogue gift shop or day school library."
-Letty Cottin Pogrebin, author of Deborah, Golda, and Me: Being Female and Jewish in America
